Ignition System - DURA-Spark III: Description

NOTE: The Electronic Engine Control (EEC) III (Dura-Spark III) system is used on early production Calif. (Job 1) Continental, Cougar, Mark VII and Thunderbird models with 5.0L V8 EFI engines. The EEC-IV (TFI-IV) system is used on 1.6L EFI/Turbo, 2.3L HSC, 2.3L EFI/Turbo, 3.8L CFI and 5.0L CFI engines (after Job 1 production).

The ignition portion of the EEC III system is referred to as Dura-Spark III, a solid state system which provides power switching of the ignition coil. Dura-Spark III input signals are controlled by the EEC system.

The EEC distributor, unlike Dura-Spark II, has no centrifugal or vacuum advance. Also, it has no armature (reluctor) or stator (pick-up coil). See Fig 2. Secondary wires and spark plugs are the same, however, as used in Dura-Spark II systems.

Fig 1: Wiring Schematic of Dura-Spark III Ignition System

Fig 2: Exploded View of Dura-Spark III Distributor

Although control modules appear similar, they must not be interchanged. Dura-Spark III control modules have no Purple wire and can also be identified by a Brown grommet (Dura-Spark II modules have a Blue grommet).

Ignition timing is determined by the crankshaft position (CP) sensor and 6 or 7 other engine sensors. These sensors feed information to the EEC III system Electronic Control Assembly (ECA) through a special 32-pin connector. For further information on these sensors and the electronic control assembly, see CALIF 5 .0L CFI EEC-III article in COMPUTERIZED ENGINE CONTROLS Section.

Unlike conventional distributors that are restricted to approximately 20° advance, the EEC system permits up to 50° distributor advance.